A selection of the latest news stories and editorials published in Iranian news outlets, compiled by the AEI Critical Threats Project's Iran research team. To receive this daily newsletter, please subscribe online. 

(E) = Article in English

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Regional Developments and Diplomacy

  • Ahlul Bayt News Agency (ABNA) announced that contrary to yesterday’s report, Zolfaghar Brigade Commander “Abu Shahd al Jabouri” has not been killed in Syria. The leader of the Iranian-backed, Iraqi Shi’a militant group was reportedly surrounded by Jaish al Har in Dar’a province for seventeen hours when opposition groups announced his death on social media. There was particular confusion after the initial report when fellow brigade member “Abu Zahir” told ABNA that the whereabouts and status of “Abu Shahd” were unknown. “Abu Shahd” himself later confirmed his wellbeing in a telephone interview with ABNA:
    • “We are ready to sacrifice our lives and have taken steps in the path of martyrdom. We announce strongly that we are proud of following the path of Imam Khanenei, the leader of the world’s Shi’as. My only request from Shi’as in Iran and other countries is to pray for us so we do not disappoint Seyyada Zeynab and can honorably guard her shrine.” 
  • Syrian President Bashar Assad met with an Iranian parliamentary delegation led by National Security and Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission Chairman MP Alaeddin Boroujerdi in Damascus earlier today. They discussed parliamentary coordination by regional countries to confront “Wahabbi currents.” 
  • Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met with his Iraqi counterpart Hoshiar Zibari and announced that the two countries have reached an agreement on implementing the 1975 Algeria Accord regarding the Arvand River. Zarif also warned “certain governments” in the region that they would not benefit “from supporting extremism and sectarianism.” 
  • In a meeting with his Qatari counterpart Khaled bin Mohammad al-Attiya, Foreign Minister Zarif denied the formation of a coalition consisting of Iran, Qatar, Turkey and Iraq in resolving the Syrian crisis. 
    • Zarif also discussed the Supreme Leader’s pessimism towards the P5+1 nuclear talks and Iran’s commitment to the Geneva Accord:
      • “What the Supreme Leader introduced was the perspective of the Iranian people and the people’s problem with the way America and Western countries confronted the nuclear matter and how they have confronted the Islamic Republic in the past few decades. This has created amongst our people a serious lack of trust towards the West, particularly America.”
      • “The Supreme Leader stated that the Iranian people and its government will stand by their agreement. We will not act contrary to the accord and will do what we agreed to. We will continue it and are serious in negotiations.” 
  • Iranian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mohammad Khazaei urged Saudi Arabia to abandon support of armed Syrian groups

Military and Security

Nuclear Issue

Politics

Economy

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